Day One – Anchorage – Rich's Adventures

I arrived one day before the ride actually begins specifically to visit Providence Alaska Hospital’s Child Life Department.

There are currently six teens receiving treatments for cancer. So I went as an ambassador for Bite Me Cancer to personally deliver bags to the hospital. I left each teen a bag with Joanna, a Child Life Specialist, who took the time with me to discuss the role she plays. Which is basically, comforting and explaining what is about to happen to a child/teen as they are administered treatments. Along with the doctors and nurses, she is there when they administer the actual treatment, chemo, etc. Joanna interacts with the parents as well. I told her it takes bravery to do her job, that is right there on the font lines of the battle along with nurses, doctors, worried moms and dads. I walked away from this somber front line adventure on day one realizing how important background support is for anyone undergoing cancer diagnosis and treatment.